The next morning, their drills resumed. Major Nair attempted everything to make the girls fail, but Naina ensured that her group of friends passed. She also made sure that her marks were high but not always at the top, as that would make Nair suspicious. Alekh gave her knowing looks when Naina managed to locate half of the items on her list during the drill quickly.
Then it was time for the final test, Dr. Shalini's infirmary drill. Naina wasn't aware of what was required for the test or how to prepare for it, so she took the heart rate machine with her. This was the only test that could draw unwanted attention to her if she acted out of character and failed to appear human, potentially jeopardizing her investigation into Naveen's case. While walking towards the infirmary, she ran into Rajveer.
"Are you ready for today's test, Cadet?" Rajveer asked, smiling.
"I'm a bit nervous," Naina replied, returning the smile.
"I can tell. You're so nervous that you've bitten your lips until they bled," he gently scolded her as he wiped the corner of her lips.
The smile disappeared from Naina's face as she realized the blood on her lips wasn't her own. She stepped back and said, "Um, thank you," as she wiped the blood from Rajveer's finger, feeling embarrassed.
Assuming Naina was feeling shy, Rajveer smiled warmly at her. "Don't be self-conscious, Cadet. It's okay. These things happen sometimes," he joked. "Good luck with your test," he added.
"Thank you, sir. See you around," Naina replied before excusing herself.
Naina joined her friends in the infirmary, where Dr. Cpt. Shalini explained the test to them. The test consisted of two parts: a compulsory part and an optional part. In the compulsory part, they had to perform first aid on various types of injuries. Naina felt relieved as she had taken a first aid course after her board exams for fun. However, Yudi was forced to volunteer due to Huda's pranks and ended up looking like a mummy by the end of the test.
After completing the compulsory part of the test, Dr. Shalini explained the optional part. Rajveer joined them and observed everything with an encouraging smile on his face. Although Naina knew her marks were enough to pass, Alekh and Ali wanted to attempt the optional part for extra marks. Pooja joined because Ali did, but Yudi was coerced into it. Naina and Huda exchanged a silent look.
The test began with the first round, where the cadets had to dunk their hands in an ice water-filled bucket for ten minutes. Unfortunately, Yudi was disqualified in this round, and Pooja backed out on her own. In the next round, the cadets had to endure ten minutes in a temperature chamber. Both Alekh and Ali were disqualified when the temperature dropped to -2 degrees, as they gave up before the ten minutes were over. Since both boys had good marks, it didn't significantly impact their scores.
...-...
...-...
The next morning, the grades were released. Major Nair was disappointed to see that all six of Naina's group had passed. Aalekh and Huda received grade 1, Ali and Naina got grade 2, while Pooja and Yudi received grade 4. All the cadets were thrilled with their results.
Later that day, Huda ran up to Naina as she was on her way to the library. "Oye Gorgeous, wait!" he called out.
Naina looked at him quizzically. "Yes, Huda?"
"The freshers' ball is coming up. Will you go with me?" Huda asked with a charming smile.
"No, thank you. I already have a date," she replied with a smile.
"You do?" Huda pouted.
"Yes, I do. Ask someone else. Bye," Naina advised before walking away. She found it hard to believe that Huda had kept the bomb. That's why she was being friendly with him, to make it easier to keep an eye on him.
Captain Rajveer was walking by the reception when he noticed an orderly approaching with a package. "Whose parcel is that?" Rajveer asked.
With the Fresher's ball coming up the next evening, Rajveer had a feeling that something might happen. He knew that the spy would not pass up such an opportunity, with all the cadets and faculty members being away from the academy and at a different location for the event.
"Sir, it's Cadet Campbell's parcel," the orderly replied.
"Hand it over to me, and I'll give it to her," Rajveer instructed the orderly.
"Okay, sir," the orderly responded before giving Rajveer the parcel.
Rajveer returned to his room and asked an orderly to summon Naina. A few minutes later, he saw Naina barging into his room as if she owned it.
"I didn't hear you knock, Cadet," Rajveer joked.
"Oh, sorry," Naina apologized, looking sheepish. "The orderly told me that my parcel arrived, and I got excited," she admitted.
"It's okay, cadet. There's your parcel," Rajveer informed her, pointing to his coffee table. He was in the kitchen, brewing coffee. "I'm making coffee. Join me," he offered.
Naina hesitated a little before replying, "Uh... okay, sure." She thought to herself, 'Eww, coffee! I have to drink it now?! UGH!' as she sat on one of the couches.
Rajveer came back with two mugs and asked, "So, who sent this parcel?"
"I shopped online. The Fresher's ball is tomorrow evening," Naina said excitedly.
Rajveer smiled at her excitement and asked with a smirk, "So, who are you going with? You know you have to have a date. Even BC is not allowed in without a date."
Naina giggled and took the coffee mug. She brought it to her nose to clear her head from Rajveer's scent. Their close proximity was making things a little difficult. "The date is not the problem," she told him, pouting.
"What seems to be the problem? Tell me. I might be able to help," Rajveer offered, his curiosity piqued.
Naina sighed, her face filled with distress. "I don't know the formal dance. Suriji said he would teach me, but in the middle of our lesson, he got distracted and started doing bhangra," she explained.
Rajveer couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Bhangra during a formal dance lesson? That's unexpected. Suriji is actually quite skilled at the formal dance."
"We got caught up in a conversation, and he lost track," Naina replied, shrugging with a sheepish expression.
"Well, how about I teach you then?" Rajveer suggested, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"You? Are you sure?" Naina asked, surprised by the unexpected offer.
"Absolutely. Let's meet in the mess half an hour after lights out," Rajveer instructed.
"Okay, it's a deal! By the way, can I use your washroom?" Naina requested, her tone playful.
"Hmm... It's that way... oh, wait... you already knew that," Rajveer responded, playfully narrowing his eyes at her.
Naina made a face at him before heading inside. However, her true intention for going to the bathroom was to discreetly retrieve one of his used clothes. If she was going to learn to dance from him, she needed to keep her bloodlust under control. She swiftly grabbed one of his undershirts from the laundry basket and concealed it under her own shirt, instantly enveloped in his comforting scent.
Emerging from the washroom, Naina requested, "May I leave now? I need to check the fitting of my dress before our dance lesson."
"Of course, go ahead," Rajveer replied with a smile. Naina left, clutching her parcel, and as Rajveer reflected on the situation, a realization struck him. "Wait a minute... she didn't tell me who her date is," he muttered to himself, puzzled by the omission.
...-...
...-...
...-...
Naina sat in the mess, engrossed in a YouTube video, carefully observing the hand placement of a dancer on the screen. She attempted to mimic the movements, but her efforts resulted in another unsuccessful try. Frustration crept over her, causing her to let out an exasperated huff and stomp her feet in annoyance. "Snapping the neck of my first meal was way easier than this dancing. UGH!" she grumbled under her breath.
She heard a familiar heartbeat and caught the ever-familiar scent coming closer to the mess. Knowing who it was, she pretended not to notice him and continued practicing. As Naina continued to practice her dance moves, she suddenly turned and acted surprised to see Rajveer standing there. However, a sense of embarrassment washed over her as she noticed the amused expression on his face.
With a shy smile, she tried to explain herself, feeling a bit self-conscious. "I thought I'd give it a shot and see if I could grasp the basics on my own," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness.
"First rule of learning to dance is to practice without music," Rajveer remarked, leaning casually against the wall with his left shoulder.
Naina's smile widened as she heard his words. "My brother used to say the same thing," she replied, fondly reminiscing.
Rajveer couldn't help but grin, a touch of pride evident in his expression. "And who do you think taught him to dance?" he asked playfully, a hint of smugness in his voice.
Naina burst into a fit of giggles, picturing Naveen and Rajveer practicing their dance moves together for their own freshers' ball. Rajveer, rolling his eyes, quickly clarified, "Not like that," causing Naina's laughter to escalate even further.
Taking a step closer, Rajveer gracefully bowed at the waist, extending his hand toward her. "May I have the pleasure?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of formality.
Naina's breath caught in her throat as she watched him, her heart racing with anticipation. It was a strange and exhilarating sensation, unlike any bloodlust or victorious feeling she had ever experienced before. This was something entirely new. Slowly, she reached out and placed her hand in his. The moment their skin made contact, both of them gasped, feeling an unexpected surge of electricity course through their bodies. Instinctively, they took a step back, their expressions mirroring surprise and bewilderment.
"W-What was that?" Naina asked, her voice still tinged with astonishment.
Rajveer chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "It was most likely just static electricity," he explained.
Naina let out a nervous laugh, still feeling a tinge of unease. "It startled me," she admitted.
"Me too. Anyway, shall we continue?" Rajveer asked, offering his hand once again, a warm and reassuring smile on his face.
Naina gently surrendered her hand to Rajveer's grasp, her smile radiating with a mix of anticipation and affection. Sensing the connection growing between them, Rajveer skillfully intertwined his fingers with hers, guiding her other hand to rest gracefully on his shoulder. With a touch filled with subtle intimacy, he placed his hand on her waist, their bodies drawing closer in a mesmerizing dance. In a sudden, swift motion, Rajveer pulled her closer to him, catching Naina off guard. A gasp of surprise escaped her lips, mingling with a flicker of anticipation. Their gazes locked, and as she peered into his eyes, a mischievous glint swirled within them, hinting at playful desires.
Naina felt a mixture of anticipation and trepidation as she awaited Rajveer's next move. As they gracefully moved in sync, following the rhythm of the music, she struggled to maintain focus on the dance steps. Her thoughts wandered, captivated by the way his body effortlessly melded with hers. The warmth of his breath caressed her neck, igniting a subtle fire within, while the steady thump of his heart against her chest reverberated through her being.
Rajveer, too, was acutely aware of the sensations enveloping him as he held Naina in his arms. Several observations about her caught his attention: Firstly, her natural beauty was simply breathtaking, transcending the need for any embellishments. Secondly, her breath had momentarily ceased when he drew her close, heightening the charged atmosphere between them. Thirdly, an enchanting fragrance enveloped her, enticing him to bury his nose in the soft curve of her neck and immerse himself in her unique scent. Fourthly, he became aware of her chill, as if her skin were crafted from ice, contrasting with the heat that surged between them. Lastly, her body felt incredibly firm, almost like touching cold stone, making him acutely aware of the privilege it was to hold her close. He couldn't shake the notion that had she not allowed him to draw her in, it would have been an impossible feat.
"Am I making you nervous, Cadet Campbell?" Rajveer teased, his voice laced with playful charm.
Naina's cheeks flushed, her words stumbling over each other. "N-no, not at all," she stuttered, feeling a delightful fluster. It was as if she had reverted to her teenage self, before her transformation.
A mischievous glimmer sparkled in Rajveer's eyes as he continued their banter. "Then why are your hands so cold?" he jested, though genuine curiosity tinged his words. Peering into her eyes, he detected a subtle veil descending upon them, as if she were preparing to conceal a truth.
"I have a medical condition. Ever since I woke up from my coma, I haven't been able to produce body heat," Naina explained, her tone sincere and vulnerable.
Understanding the sensitivity of the topic, Rajveer simply nodded. "Okay," he replied, choosing not to pry further. "Let's begin. Delicately place your right foot forward," he instructed, his smile carrying a hint of mischief.
Naina found herself captivated by the warmth radiating from Rajveer's honey-brown eyes. She obediently followed his lead, allowing herself to be guided across the dance floor. As they moved in sync, she couldn't ignore the way their bodies harmonized, sending ripples of excitement through her being. Butterflies danced in her stomach, and if she were still human, she knew her heart would be racing. His arm around her waist seemed to emanate a comforting heat, enveloping her like a cozy embrace.
With skill and finesse, Rajveer swirled Naina around, their bodies gliding together in a seamless fusion. She felt herself melting into his arms, losing herself in the music and the enchantment of their dance. As he dipped her low and brought her back up, a radiant smile bloomed on her face, embracing the exhilaration of the moment.
For the next couple of hours, they immersed themselves in the dance, their focus solely on the steps and movements. Rajveer patiently guided Naina through various techniques, each one drawing them closer, both physically and emotionally. With every twirl and sway, an unspoken intimacy grew between them, forging a connection that words could scarcely capture. Lost in the rhythm and melody, they danced as if the world around them ceased to exist. Naina found herself reveling in newfound freedom, embracing the liberation and abandonment that the dance bestowed. Rajveer's arms around her felt like a sanctuary, a place where she longed to stay forever.
As their lesson drew to a close, Rajveer spun Naina one last time before gently pulling her in close. They stood there, breathless and laughter echoing in the air, their shared energy crackling with electric fervor. In that precious moment, their eyes met, smiles beaming with gratitude for the magical dance that had intertwined their lives. Time seemed to pause as they savored the connection they had forged, cherishing the depth of intimacy discovered on the dance floor.
...-...
The next morning, Naina noticed Pooja's restless and angry demeanor as she paced around the room. Intrigued by her friend's distress, Naina approached her gently. "Pooja, why do you look so upset?" she inquired, concern evident in her voice.
With frustration etched on her face, Pooja poured out her grievances. "I went to the boys' hostel to confront that missed call, and I overheard him saying that he's not really my friend. He only sends me sympathetic texts out of pity. So, I deleted his contact," she lamented.
Naina's brow furrowed as she tried to piece the puzzle together. "Was Huda present during this conversation?" she asked, hoping to uncover the truth.
Pooja looked puzzled. "Yeah, but what does that Jatt have to do with anything?" she questioned, seeking clarity.
"I have a hunch that Huda must have been teasing Ali, pretending that he likes you. You know how shy Ali is. Maybe Ali said those hurtful things to put an end to Huda's teasing. I don't think he meant any of it," Naina reassured, her hand gently resting on Pooja's shoulder.
Tears welled up in Pooja's eyes as she shared her hurt. "But... But I thought he was my best friend. It hurt so much to hear him say those things," she confessed, her voice trembling.
Naina sighed and pulled Pooja into a tight, comforting embrace. "If he truly meant those words, then he's an absolute fool. But if he didn't, then Huda deserves a good scolding for his thoughtless behavior," Naina reassured with a heartfelt smile. "So... who will you be going to the ball with?" she inquired, hoping to lift Pooja's spirits.
Pooja pouted silently for a moment, tears glistening on her cheeks. With determination, she wiped away her tears and sniffed. "I'm going to the boys' hostel to make it clear to that idiot that he better pick me up at 7 for the ball," she declared, her resolve shining through her sadness.
Naina's grin widened, proud of Pooja's decision. "Good," she encouraged with a grin.
...-...
...-...
All the boys were dressed for the ball and had gathered in the ground floor hallway, chatting among themselves. "Hey, Kaidi... I mean Alekh, I must say, you clean up well. Where did you get that suit though? It looks tailor-made for you," Huda asked as he touched Alekh's tuxedo.
Alekh swatted his hand away with a grimace and replied grumpily, "Naina got it for me. She said every man should have at least one good tuxedo. Though this tie is making me feel like there's a noose around my neck."
"Wow... New expensive clothes... Why did she buy this for you? Is she ashamed to go with you in your usual clothes?" Huda taunted, feeling jealous that Naina had said no to him for the ball.
Alekh rolled his eyes. "She's not going with me," Alekh told him point-blank.
"What? She's not? Then who is going with you? And why did she get you these new clothes?" Huda asked, getting hyper.
"Because I want my brother to look good and become Mr. Fresher," Naina replied from behind them. She had heard their entire conversation.
Huda and Alekh turned around, their jaws dropping in amazement. Naina was wearing a stunning blood red Alyce Paris 60453 A-Line Long Party Dress that accentuated her figure perfectly. The dress featured side midriff cutouts, a sleeveless bodice with a V-neckline, and a full-length satin chiffon A-line skirt with a side slit and a sweep train. Dual spaghetti straps led into the strap crossing the open back, completing the elegant look. Her hair flowed down her back, and she wore light makeup to enhance her features. She also adorned herself with her Campbell family chest diamond pendant, a tennis bracelet, a pair of dangling diamond earrings, and Steve Madden diamante heeled shoes in clear and silver. Naina looked like a Greek goddess.
"Wow... you really live up to your name 'Gorgeous'," Huda breathed out.
"Thanks... And for your information, I bought Alekh this outfit because I wanted to. Why do you think you deserve an explanation for this, anyway? Who I go with is also none of your business. You're my batchmate, and sometimes you're included in our group of friends, but that doesn't mean you have any right to ask questions about my personal life. Is that clear enough?" Naina stated bluntly with a slight smile on her face.
"It's not clear. Why don't you want to date me?" Huda complained.
"Because I simply don't want to. It's as simple as that," she replied.
"I won't stop trying until you change your mind," Huda told her, determined. "Now, I'm going to find my date," he announced before leaving.
Naina gazed at Huda's retreating figure in disbelief. Turning to Alekh, she asked, "What is wrong with that guy?"
"It's not his fault," Alekh quipped with a smirk. "He can't help but be captivated by my stunning sister."
Naina pouted at him. "Don't tease me, yaar! He's so irritating," she grumbled, causing Alekh to chuckle and wrap his arm around her in a side hug.